DOH must ascertain reasons for late discovery of patients at advanced stages of infection.

As Chair of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, the spread of HIV-AIDS is among my top concerns because of its impact on women and the LGBT community.

National government, civic society, and LGUs clearly must do much better at informing Filipinos of the availability of HIV-AIDS testing nationwide because 452 found to be in the advanced stages of the disease from January to March this year is too much. That’s 452 families and more extended families and friends affected.

This year, 73 have died of HIV-AIDS.

Late discovery of HIV-AIDS infection would be due to the stigma attached to the illness, but if the infection had been found early, the lives of those infected could be lengthened by years because of the advanced in treatment technologies.

DOH and LGUs must spread down to the barangays and workplaces their information on access, availability, and affordability of HIV-AIDS testing and treatments. A national media campaign must be undertaken and it must be aggressive.

Late discovery or reporting might also be due to treatment or confinement for the symptoms of HIV-AIDS. On this, we need better cooperation from doctors and hospitals because if the patients or their doctors do not disclose or put on record the real illness, more people could be at risk when HIV-AIDS safety protocols are not followed.

Public health and safety have to be weighed alongside the right to privacy of the patients. Under-reporting can be dangerous. DOH must make sure this is not happening in any of the hospitals or clinics nationwide. (END)

Romans 10:9-10"If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."